Noob saying hi.

[jackeb]

Hi,
Just a quick introduction.
My first interest in model tanks was when I was a young teenager (I'm a 46 year old father of three now) when I had an obsession with making, mainly 1/35th scale tanks. I think I got quite good at it, I even had a couple on display at my school, but like all things they fell by the wayside as I plunged headlong into, first girls, and then the rat race. A couple of years ago, thanks to my brother-in-law, I got into RC helicopters. The problem is the missus and myself have to work opposite hours to keep child care cost under control, which means I've always got the kids in tow during my spare time. Seeing as young children and RC helis are not a safe combination I was looking for another hobby which would minimise trips to A&E! After surfing the web I stumbled on RC tanks. Kerching! I can satisfy my passion for RC models and keep the little ones safe(ish).
After looking at some of the postings on this site I've got to say the standard of the building has come on a quantum leap from when I was a lad. The attention to detail and quality of workmanship is astonishing. I can see I've got my work cut out to even come close to what you guys are doing. Still that's the fun of it.
During the next couple of days I'll be ordering, either a HL Panzer III, or a HL Tiger I. I chose HL because they seem to offer reasonable quality at a price I can afford (I can never remember Tamiya stuff being so pricey!).
I'll still keep going with the helis. My youngest start school full-time in September so I'll be able to spend some time up the local field flying on my days off, chores permitting.
Well that's it. I can hardly wait to get going, modifying, painting, weathering etc.
Cheers.

[sparks]

Hi jackeb,
Welcome to the forum

[[ICE]monkey]

hi and welcome to the forum
ice

[Little dave]

welcome im new to sounds like you will have a lot of fun ahead if it is of any interest to you i have a panzer three with sum upgrades all ready im looking at selling pm if interested thanks dave

[Scooby]

Welcome to the forum jackeb

[Dietrich]

Hi Jackeb :~
Welcome to the Forum ! I made tanks as a teenager, but mine were only the 1/72 scale ones by Airfix
The Tiger 1 is the most popular model of tank sold by Heng Long and it has a lot of interior space that can be used to mount the battery, the electronics and smoker. The Panzer III is a really nice tank, but it is much smaller than the Tiger and you have to be more 'careful' where you mount pieces as there is less interior space available. All the Heng Long tanks are upgradable and there are a lot of options available to choose from. Tamiya is good BUT as you say it IS expensive!
Alb

[mt 1]

hi welcome to the forum

[brizo58]

Hi Welcome to the forum ...Brian

[jackeb]

Cheers for the warm welcome guys. I've settled for a Tiger and ordered it today (can't wait). I remember when Tamiya brought the 1/16th RC Tiger out, I wanted one so bad but it was way out of my price range (still is). So in a way I've achieved another childhood ambition.
I'm getting the bog standard S&S Tiger and, when fund allow, I'll upgrade to the lower ratio metal gears and metal tracks and running gear. For now I'll settle for a more authentic paint job, which will give me a chance to brush up on my weathering techniques. That should keep me busy for now.
My guess is that RC tanks will be like my helis and, my other big passion, electric guitars and get totally out of hand. I did have 16 helis at one point but I sold some to finance more guitar gear (so far 6 guitars, 4 amps, countless pedals and various practice rigs/software). Ho hum. To be fair the missus doesn't mind as long as it doesn't effect the household budget, and it keeps me quiet!
Anyway no doubt I'll get on all your nerves with countless 'noob' questions!
Cheers.

[B1G]

Hi Jackeb

I'm a newbie too, and will put up my hello's tomorrow.

Like you I'm in my late 40's, kids, yadda yadda.

I started modelling with the very poor airfix and revel stuff that was available way back then. Then when I was about 10 I was given a Tamiya 1/32 scout car kit, what a revelation ! Parts that fit, good instructions, and even motorised.
Since then I've been in almost constant trouble with the "powers that be".

I have a T-Rex 450 up for grabs, heli's just didn't work for me !

I'm also now considering a HL King Tiger, looks like good value and detail.
All the best.